Atwoli: COTU has repeatedly rejected my exit, I’ll stay until released
The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has revealed that his repeated attempts to retire from the union have been consistently rejected, and he has vowed to continue serving until the union officially releases him.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Atwoli said he first requested retirement in 2011, followed by subsequent requests in 2016 and 2021.
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Each time, the union leadership declined to approve his exit, citing the constitutional provisions governing COTU and its 20 affiliated unions.
“We have a wonderful constitution with about 60 provisions, including disciplinary matters and retirement procedures,” Atwoli explained.
“I asked for retirement in 2011; they refused; in 2016, they refused, and in 2021, I said I would wait until they release me.”
Atwoli is set to extend his tenure as the longest-serving Secretary General of the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU-Kenya)
In a statement on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Atwoli revealed that he has received a full endorsement from affiliated trade unions ahead of August polls.
“Today, in my capacity as the Secretary General of COTU (K), I hosted 42 General Secretaries from affiliated trade unions for a preparatory lunch, during which they unanimously endorsed me to lead them into the COTU (K) elections scheduled for August this year, as a team and in solidarity,” he stated on his X handle.
Atwoli has held the position since August 2001.
The 74-year-old was re-elected unopposed to serve a fifth term in the last election, promising to serve all the workers in the country.
He previously served as the General Secretary of the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union and also in a senior position at the Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees.
Last year, Atwoli was re-elected to serve for the fifth time as a titular member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Governing Body, becoming the longest-serving member.
